Boston Highlander, curious pair

[OC Richard]

This photo was taken in Boston, by R. A. Miller.

It shows fairly typical c1860 Highland dress in general, though the sporran and jacket have a theatrical quality about them.

Note that the footwear is identical to the 1858-1861 Full Dress of the 79th New York State Militia: the buckled shoes, the red & white diced hose with marl turnovers, and the very dark garters worn over the turnovers.

The fine check dicing on the hat makes an appearance in The Highlanders Of Scotland (yet another example of the "artistic license" of the artist appearing in photos of the same period).



All well and good, but what is this now? Another photo by the same photographer of a sitter wearing some of the same stuff, but with an even more theatrical jacket.



What does it all mean? Is the costume in the first photo owned by the sitter, and loaned to a relative for his photo? Or are these costume pieces owned by the studio?

I think not, due to 1) the high quality of some of the items such as the dirk and sword and 2) the manner in which the first man has put on the costume, and is posing with it. Somebody knows exactly how to properly put on these hose and tie the garters (not an easy feat) and exactly how the belts and plaid are to be worn. It all has a natural look rarely seen in the "play dress-up" photos.

[Liam]

OCR... In the 2nd picture it looks like there are pleats in the front where the apron should be. This would lead me to believe that all are photo studio props, albeit good ones.